The people of Cork have been left terrified after a wild puma was reportedly spotted in the areas of Crosshaven, Fountainstown and Togher.

There have been numerous sightings of the big cat, which locals say looks like "a labrador dog with a much longer tail".

There are also reports of increased numbers of hen attacks, frightened horses and a reduction in fox numbers in the area.

The Cork Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (CSPCA) said the sightings are "too credible to ignore".

Spokesperson Vincent Cashman told Radio One's Morning Ireland: "We have set up some trail cameras in the places the animal has been seen previously so we can try and track the animal and get an ID on it.

"It sounds very far fetched but it's not impossible and the reports that we've received from landowners and people are credible and worthy of further investigation."

"Sometimes we do receive reports of large cats and they may be feral cats."

Pumas, or cougars as they are sometimes called, can grow to eight foot in length and weigh up to 15 stone.